The 8 Most Powerful Video Game Studios (2/2)

Sony Computer Entertainment

Founded: 1993
Headquarters: Tokyo, Japan

Had it not been for a dissolved partnership between Nintendo and Sony in 1991, there probably wouldn't be a PlayStation, nor the numerous and impressive games that come with it by way of Sony's internal development studios. Roll credits, please: God of War, Gran Turismo, Hot Shots Golf, ICO/Shadow of the Colossus, Killzone, the first-party MLB and NBA franchises, Ratchet & Clank, SingStar, SOCOM, Twisted Metal, and many more -- all PlayStation exclusives. Thanks, Nintendo.

Blizzard Entertainment

Founded: 1991 (as Silicon & Synapse)
Headquarters: Irvine, California

There must be something in the water in Irvine. Either that or some hidden crack-cocaine between lines of Blizzard game code, because the hard-to-put-down studio is notorious for making some of the most addicting games of all time, namely Diablo, Starcraft, and the grandaddy of them all, World of Warcraft. How else would you convince 10 million subscribing fiends to pay $15 per month? This is one developer everyone wants to be.

Nintendo Entertainment Analysis and Development

Founded: 1984 (as Nintendo Research and Development 1)
Headquarters: Kyoto, Japan

Three years ago, Nintendo EAD might not have made this list, given their waning influence. Today, the prolific studio might be as powerful as half of the others on our list, thanks to the phenomenal success of both the Wii and DS. Largly under the direction of Shigeru Miyamoto, Nintendo EAD and its various sub groups have created the following household names in gaming: Super Mario Bros., Legend of Zelda, Donkey Kong, and Mario Kart, including several new ones like Nintendogs, Wii Sports, and Wii Fit. And they still have everyone guessing.

Other budding super powers

Valve Corporation
Founded: 1996
Headquarters: Bellevue, Washington

Infinity Ward
Founded: 2002
Headquarters: Encino, California

Harmonix (hat tip to Red Octane as well)
Founded: 1995
Headquarters: Cambridge, Massachusetts

Comments [94]

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nayuan01

Crap, oh well, I've always wondered what are the trading initials of these companies to invest in them in the stock market.

AANTHUNDER

I would have thought the house Mario built would have looked alot modern. Nintendo's building looks like a jail house! Put up some barded wire and guard towers and your set.

Leonmasaki

EWW, THATS NINTENDO'S BUILDING?!?!? Please Nintendo, You guys have the money. MAKE A MODERNIZE BUILDING IN TOKYO DAMNIT. No wonder why Mario and Link Weren't at E3, you guys kept them in your Jail cell.

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